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    nlg427's Avatar
    nlg427 Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #1

    Nov 17, 2008, 07:38 AM
    Water temperature
    I seems every once in awhile, the water temperature during a shower will not stay hot for very long and most other times it is fine. Before the shower, I haven't ran anything that would use hot water. I was wondering if this is a sign of my water heater going bad?
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #2

    Nov 17, 2008, 07:55 AM

    How old is your water heater?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #3

    Nov 17, 2008, 07:56 AM
    What type of heater do you have? Gas or electric? Is your shower valve temperature controlled? (Posi-Trmp or Anti Skald)? Let me know. Tom
    nlg427's Avatar
    nlg427 Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #4

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:01 AM
    Water heater is about 14 years old. It is a natural gas water heater. If my shower valve was temperature controlled, where would I look at to figure that out?
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #5

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:02 AM

    You may have broken / or missing dip tube in your w/h. This becomes more obvious when it gets cold outside. Also, you could have temp controlling mechanism inside your shower faucet malfunctioning.
    nlg427's Avatar
    nlg427 Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #6

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:15 AM
    If the dip tubes are missing or broken, why wouldn't the water be cold all the time?
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #7

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:19 AM

    Because your heater is full of hot water. As the cold water enters the tank, it "drifts" into hot water immediately as it enters the heater. With presence of dip tube, cold water is directed to the bottom of the heater pushing the hot water towards the outlet / shower.
    nlg427's Avatar
    nlg427 Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #8

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:21 AM
    Is this something I need to have a plumer look at or is easy for a regular person to find out?
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #9

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:22 AM

    If you give us the brand and the model number and we will tell you to look, also please open the link below it will show how the dip tube works, Thanks.

    John

    How a water heater dip tube works and what it looks like.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #10

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:23 AM

    Afaroo: great visual ! Too bad I cannot give you positive feedback...
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #11

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:24 AM

    Thank Milo
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #12

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:25 AM

    Depends how handy you are with tools. You have to remove cold water supply line from top of the heater, remove nipple, and remove the tube for inspection. Then, you have to put it back together..
    nlg427's Avatar
    nlg427 Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #13

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:26 AM
    I get back home at 3, so I'll post what I can find later this afternoon. Thanks for everyone's help so far
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #14

    Nov 17, 2008, 08:36 AM

    The attach link is a litle bit mor info regarding the Dip tube, Thanks.

    John

    Cold Showers From Dip Tube Failures - www.diptube.info - Another great official website from Michael Leavitt & Co Inspections, Inc.
    nlg427's Avatar
    nlg427 Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #15

    Nov 17, 2008, 04:01 PM

    Rheem Manufacting Co.
    Model No:21V40-7
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